East Central Reporter

Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke was sentenced to two years in prison and a $2 million fine after being convicted last December of 13 counts of extortion, bribery, and racketeering charges. Federal prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence for Burke, who is 80 years old.

Under existing Illinois law, Burke may be legally allowed to pay his entire fine using his campaign war chest. Republicans have long sought to close this loophole and prohibit convicted politicians from using campaign funds to pay legal fees or corruption fines.

Burke must surrender on September 23 to begin serving his prison sentence.

Burke’s trial lasted six weeks at a federal courthouse in Chicago, culminating with his conviction on December 21. He served for 54 years on the Chicago City Council and spent just under $4 million in legal fees during the trial. Burke’s trial was notable for several outlandish quotes from lawyers, key witnesses, and undercover audio recordings. Here are ten of the most striking quotes:

“As far as I’m concerned, they can go f— themselves,” Judge denies Ed Burke’s mistrial motion, jurors hear ‘tuna’ and F-bomb recordings – Chicago Sun-Times (suntimes.com)

“So, did we, uh, land the tuna? If we land the tuna there certainly will be a day of accounting, you can count on that.” Ex-Ald. Ed Burke’s Defense Hammers FBI Informant as Closing Arguments Conclude: Danny Solis a ‘Failure,’ ‘Con Man’ | Chicago News | WTTW

“Well, maybe if they don’t have any access to the property because the driveway isn’t legal, they might get the message.” Feds play recording of call with Gery Chico in Ed Burke corruption trial – Chicago Sun-Times (suntimes.com)

“If Alderman Burke asked you questions it could be terrifying.” ‘If Ald. Burke Asked You Questions It Could Be Terrifying’: ‘Fear Factor’ Takes Center Stage in Corruption Trial | Chicago News | WTTW

“Next to the mayor, Burke is arguably the most powerful politician in Chicago. He has been in office for 48 years, and without his signature, we cannot get a permit.” Ex-Ald. Ed Burke trial: Burger King exec testifies (chicagotribune.com)

“Where’s the beef? You’ve gotten nothing but bun from the government so far.” Ex-Ald. Ed Burke’s Defense Hammers FBI Informant as Closing Arguments Conclude: Danny Solis a ‘Failure,’ ‘Con Man’ | Chicago News | WTTW

“They’re just pretty naïve on this stuff, so we’ve had to drag their asses along the way, but we’ll have a nice event.” Feds play recording of call with Gery Chico in Ed Burke corruption trial – Chicago Sun-Times (suntimes.com)

“Hey, you’re not gonna get in any trouble, and I’m certainly not gonna get in any trouble at this stage of the game.” Ed Burke trial Chicago: Judge denies mistrial request after witness refers to ‘Chicago way of doing business’ as ‘corrupt’ – ABC7 Chicago

“Exhibit A in the world of people who are corrupt and untruthful. The government told him what to say and then he spit it back at Ed Burke—a whole pack of lies—and he did it for two years with one object in mind: keep himself from going to prison.” Ex-Ald. Ed Burke trial: Solis testimony could be risky in Burke defense (chicagotribune.com)

“If we’re not signed up, we’re not going to do heavy lifting. The cash register has not rung yet.” Former Alderman and FBI Informant Danny Solis Finishes Testimony as Ed Burke Trial Heads for Closing Arguments | Chicago News | WTTW